Brian Conwell
Veterans Battle Grounds CEO
Brian "Big Country" Conwell
Brian "Big Country" Conwell is a proud disabled Army veteran who served from 2006 to 2015. His military journey took him around the world, with assignments in Iraq, Germany, Virginia, Kansas, and Texas. Through every challenge, his resilience never wavered.
On January 7, 2014, Brian’s life changed forever. While on his way to pick up lunch for his men at Fort Riley, his vehicle hit black ice, sending him plummeting into a 150-foot ravine. The crash crushed both of his legs, and doctors told him he would never walk again. For the next five years, he battled depression, PTSD, and insomnia, but he refused to give up. In September 2020, against all odds, Brian taught himself to walk again.
Determined to reclaim his life, Brian set out on a journey of transformation. By February 2021, he weighed 415 pounds, but instead of letting his past define him, he took action. He hit the gym, pushed his limits, and later that year, competed in his first adaptive sports event—the National Veteran Wheelchair Games in New York City. There, he won a silver medal in discus and a bronze in shot put, igniting his passion for adaptive sports.
In 2022, Brian earned his Paralympic license, and over the past three years, he has won an incredible 21 medals in competition. His journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that obstacles can be turned into stepping stones for success.
Beyond his personal achievements, Brian is the founder of Veterans Battle Grounds (VBG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disabled veterans through adaptive sports and fitness. His message to those facing adversity is simple: Believe in yourself, put in the work, and never give up—your challenges can become your superpowers.
Brian is happily married to his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and together, they are proud parents of six amazing children.
Veterans Battle Grounds (VBG): Empowering Veterans Through Adaptive Sports
At Veterans Battle Grounds (VBG), we believe that every veteran, regardless of physical challenges or disabilities, has the power to rise above adversity. Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities through adaptive sports, fitness, and community support, helping disabled veterans regain their confidence, strength, and purpose.
Beyond the Competition
VBG doesn’t just provide a single event, it’s a continuous support system for disabled veterans. We offer:
Training & Coaching
Veterans have access to expert trainers who help them improve their skills and fitness.
Community Engagement
Group workouts, social events, and virtual connections to keep the momentum going.
Mental Health Support
Partnering with professionals to provide counseling, wellness programs, and peer mentorship.
Employment & Leadership Opportunities
Helping veterans transition into coaching, mentoring, and leadership roles within the adaptive sports community.
Transforming Disabilities into Superpowers
At VBG, we reject limitations. Instead, we teach veterans to view their challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether it's learning to compete in a new sport, reclaiming their physical independence, or finding a renewed sense of purpose and identity, VBG is here to support every step of the journey.
Join Us in the Mission
We are calling on veterans, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers to be part of this movement. Whether you’re an athlete looking to compete, a business wanting to give back, or a volunteer ready to make a difference, there is a place for you at Veterans Battle Grounds.
Together, we can empower veterans, redefine possibilities, and build a future where every warrior has the chance to thrive.
Together, we can empower veterans
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